When a handful of Cuba’s most celebrated cigar houses decide to share a single size, the result is a rare tasting experiment that lets aficionados compare brand DNA without the distraction of varying ring gauges or lengths. The Selección Petit Robustos is exactly that – a curated showcase of five iconic marques, all rolled to the same modest dimensions, offering a side‑by‑side journey through the island’s tobacco heritage.
Collection Overview
The Selección Petit Robustos is a multi‑brand project from Habanos S.A. that gathers Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, Cohiba, H. Upmann, and Partagás under one vitola. By standardizing the smokeable format, the collection strips away variables and lets the distinct blending philosophies of each house shine through. Every stick is handcrafted from premium Cuban long‑filler, ensuring that the only differences a smoker notices are the subtle nuances of flavor and strength that define each marque.
Release Timeline and Availability
The line made its debut in 2012 with a strictly limited run of 5,000 boxes. Each box contained ten cigars—two examples of every brand—so buyers could experience a balanced overview of the whole set. Responding to continued demand, Habanos released a second edition in 2015, expanding production to 15,000 boxes while keeping the same assortment of two cigars per marque.
Technical Specifications
- Factory Name: Petit Robustos
- Ring Gauge: 50
- Length: 102 mm (≈4 inches)
- Official Weight: 9.59 g
- Quantity per Brand: 2 cigars
- Construction: Fully handmade
Brand‑by‑Brand Profiles
Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills
Unlike the other entries, the Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills already had a place in the brand’s regular portfolio before joining this selection. It is identified by the classic Romeo y Julieta band D and a secondary band that was created specifically for the Petit Churchills vitola. The smoke delivers an elegant, well‑balanced experience.
- Elegance: 4
- Balance: 4
- Strength: 3
- Complexity: 4
- Aftertaste: 4
- Overall Score: 4.0
Key Flavors: Cherry, walnut, wood, with supporting notes of bitter chocolate, nutmeg, cocoa, ripe fruit, and a whisper of spice.
Montecristo Petit Robusto
This vitola was conceived exclusively for the Selección Petit Robustos. The 2012 edition bears the brand’s C band, while the 2015 edition switched to the D band, reflecting subtle production adjustments. The Montecristo Petit Robusto offers a smoother, more restrained profile compared to its counterparts.
- Elegance: 3
- Balance: 3
- Strength: 3
- Complexity: 2
- Aftertaste: 3
- Overall Score: 3.33
Key Flavors: Coffee, honey, mocha.
Cohiba Petit Robustos
Cohiba’s entry stays true to the brand’s reputation for a richer, more layered smoke. Expect a medium‑full body with a distinct cedar core, hints of cocoa and a faint peppery finish that lingers pleasantly.
H. Upmann Petit Robustos
The H. Upmann interpretation leans toward the milder side of the spectrum, delivering a classic nutty sweetness accented by coffee and a gentle, creamy aftertaste that appeals to those who prefer a smoother draw.
Partagás Petit Robustos
Partagás brings its signature boldness to the collection. The smoke is earthy and full‑bodied, featuring leather, dark fruit, and a spicy kick that provides a robust counterpoint to the more refined profiles of the other four brands.
Conclusion
The Selección Petit Robustos stands as a compelling experiment for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. By confining each house to a single, modest size, the set forces the smoker to focus on the subtle differences in blend, strength, and flavor evolution. Limited production runs ensure that acquiring a full box remains a